Getting around Newcastle

Public transport

Nexus (tel: +44 191 202 0747; www.nexus.org.uk)operates Newcastle's public transport. The excellent Metro (tel: +44 191 203 3199) network is the easiest way to get around, with stops at most places of interest.

The metro connects the airport with both Newcastle and Gateshead city centres as well as destinations further afield such as Whitley Bay, South Shields and Sunderland. An extensive bus network (which includes Quaylink electric buses) provides services for destinations not covered by the Metro.

Various passes are available, including DaySaver tickets, allowing unlimited travel for one day.

The last Metro service finishes around 2300, but some night bus services are available on the busier routes.

Traveline North East (tel: +44 871 200 2233; www.travelinenortheast.info) provides comprehensive timetable and fare information for all local bus, Metro, train and ferry journeys throughout the northeast.

Taxis

There are numerous taxi ranks throughout the city. There seems to be a constant flow of taxis ferrying passengers around town, particularly at night, so there is never too long a wait.

However, the weekends do get very busy, so for those who want to avoid queuing, it is worth pre-booking a taxi at peak times. Try Central Taxis (tel: +44 191 271 6666) or Noda Taxis (tel: +44 191 222 1888).

Driving

It's relatively straightforward to drive around Newcastle, although parking can be expensive. The city is compact enough to explore on foot.

There are over 2,000 metered on-street parking spaces in the city, with charges applying Monday to Saturday 0800-1830; exact change is required, so have plenty of small coins with you. The local council also operates numerous car parks throughout the city.

Car hire

Avis (tel: +44 844 544 6083; www.avis.co.uk), Europcar (tel: +44 371 384 3411; www.europcar.co.uk) and Hertz (tel: +44 843 309 3051; www.hertz.co.uk) all have offices at the airport, in the city or both.

Bicycle hire

There are several cycle paths in and around the town, though inexperienced cyclists should beware of heavy traffic and cycling outside town is the preferable option.

The Cycle Hub, Quayside (tel: +44 191 276 7250; www.thecyclehub.org), has bike hire, a café and a bike shop.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Grey Street Hotel

Situated inside a Grade II listed building, this wonderful boutique hotel offers suitably classy accommodation with high ceilings, elegant Georgian bedrooms and triple-glazed windows. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, plasma TVs, DVD and CD players and beds worth spending time in. Its onsite restaurant, The Living Room, is rather good too.

Jesmond Dene House

This indulgent boutique hotel occupies a striking 19th-century mansion, surrounded by leafy woodland. From the underfloor heating in the bathrooms to the exquisitely designed rooms, every last detail has been considered to retain the charm and atmosphere of a manor house. There are 40 rooms, all of them sleek, spacious and modern, plus an award-winning restaurant and expansive gardens.

Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Hotel

The huge 254-room Hilton enjoys a superb riverside location 10 minutes from the city centre and close to the Baltic, the Sage Gateshead and the Millennium Bridge. Facilities at the hotel include a gym, swimming pool, spa and sauna, but the real draw is the stunning panoramic views of the quayside area. Excellent value off-season.

Copthorne Hotel

The Copthorne Hotel Newcastle is situated on the cosmopolitan Quayside and affords spectacular views of the River Tyne and its famous bridges. This hotel offers 156 comfortable guest rooms and a restaurant offering panoramic views over the river. There is also a gym, swimming pool and a steam room.

Staybridge Suites

This modern skyscraper offers good rates for travellers in the thriving commercial district of Itaim Bibi with fabulous vistas towards Moema district from the corporate top floor rooms. The Staybridge is also conveniently incorporated into an open mall with a cinema, gym and restaurants, so there's no need to risk life and limb crossing busy surrounding roads to go out.

Mercure Newcastle County Hotel

Located opposite Central Station, this attractive hotel makes the most of its listed, 19th-century features with 114 sympathetically restored rooms. There are also 18 premier executive rooms to choose from. The informal onsite restaurant is very good and guests are granted free access to the nearby Body Zone fitness centre.

Introducing Newcastle

While you’re there

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